Hartlepool man's post Christmas 100-mile bike ride in Texas countryside

A former Hartlepool man raised almost £2,000 for a hospice after getting on his bike and completing a 100-mile challenge in one day in America.
By Mark Payne
Published 8th Jan 2020, 06:00 BST
Duncan Maclean (left) and friend Tony Morrow during the 100-miles in a day challenge in San Antonio, Texas.Duncan Maclean (left) and friend Tony Morrow during the 100-miles in a day challenge in San Antonio, Texas.
Duncan Maclean (left) and friend Tony Morrow during the 100-miles in a day challenge in San Antonio, Texas.

Duncan Maclean spent almost eight hours in the saddle for the personal challenge set by his nine-year-old son Luke.

He completed it two days after Christmas in the countryside in San Antonio, Texas, where Duncan has lived since 2001.

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He has raised more than $2,500 (£1,900) for a UK hospice that cared for his wife’s sister Melanie Nicholas who passed away from breast cancer.

Duncan Maclean in Leon Creek, San Antonio where he will attempt to cycle 100 miles in one day in memory of his sister-in-law Melanie Nicholas.Duncan Maclean in Leon Creek, San Antonio where he will attempt to cycle 100 miles in one day in memory of his sister-in-law Melanie Nicholas.
Duncan Maclean in Leon Creek, San Antonio where he will attempt to cycle 100 miles in one day in memory of his sister-in-law Melanie Nicholas.

It was not without its challenges as Duncan was hit by a slow puncture for most of the challenge.

But with the support of family and friends – and the odd cheeseburger – he successfully crossed the line after completing several circuits of the Leon Creek Greenway.

Duncan, 46, who works for IHI Southwest Technologies, said: “I fought the leak for about 75 miles, when it would not stay inflated at all.

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“Thankfully my friend, Tony Morrow was riding the last section with me and gave me a hand to install a tube. After that, the ride was a lot easier.”

Duncan at the start of the challenge.Duncan at the start of the challenge.
Duncan at the start of the challenge.

He was given an energy boost by a coffee and cheeseburger after completing 70 miles.

“It was by far the best burger I’ve ever eaten in my life!”

Duncan was joined for the last few miles by daughter Scarlett, 11.

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He added: “As you could imagine, it was a very emotional ride, and so far we’ve raised over $2,500 for the St David’s Hospice in South Wales.

Duncan was joined for the last few miles of the challenge by his daughter Scarlett.Duncan was joined for the last few miles of the challenge by his daughter Scarlett.
Duncan was joined for the last few miles of the challenge by his daughter Scarlett.

“Every single penny donated makes a big difference, and ensures the hospice can make people’s final days very comfortable and special.”

Duncan thanked his brother-in-law James Bushell for getting him back into cycling and helping him prepare for the challenge.

He also thanked his old Hartlepool boss Tony Cheshire for his advice, Edwin Welles of Amcorr USA for his support, his employer, Inara George from the band The Bird and the Bee, and everyone who donated.

Duncan added: “I could not have done it without the loving support of my wife DeLenia, and my kids, Scarlett and especially Luke, as he challenged me to ride 100 miles in a day.”

Related topics:TexasHartlepool